1.Walking sticks really help! It’s not just a placebo effect. Brian and I think maybe it absorbs some of the shock? Who knows. It definitely helps with distributing some of the strain to your upper body so it’s not all on your legs to get you up and down the hills. Shape of walking stick is also something to look for (see picture on this subject). And instead of paying 9 euro for a walking stick (even though it was very tempting and it had a compass on the top….) you can pick one up from the trail!
2.If the locals say the hike is about 1 hour, expect it to take longer. Twice to two and a half times longer. You will get distracted by pretty scenery, you will take pictures, and the locals are probably in better shape than you.
3.Having a buddy to keep pace with really helps in getting your mind off from the hills and the trail. Here, walking sticks are not only useful in walking, but also in helping you establish some sort of a pace. We made it back in less than an hour despite being so tired! That was quite the feat.